The Pantex Plant has a long history of service to the United States. The facility was constructed in 1942 in response to World War II for the load assembly and packing of conventional artillery shells and bombs. Nearly two million 23-lb shells were produced in three years. After the war, Pantex workers (many of whom were women) were sent home. The plant was reopened in 1951 and refurbished to build nuclear weapons. As history would have, soon the plant was responsible for dissembling nuclear weapons. In 2011, B&W Pantex completed the dismantlement of the final B53 nuclear bomb - an enduring Cold War symbol and one of the longest lived and highest yield nuclear weapons ever fielded by the U.S.
The history of Pantex reflects our Nation's relationship with security and war. Some of the world's greatest scientists have worked in these labs. Sea Reach was contracted in 2010 to design, fabricate and install exhibits commemorating Pantex's history. The exhibits are build around four large gun-metal grey aluminum columns that resemble artillery shells. Each exhibit column features the major shifts in focus over the Plant's 70-year history. Around the wall are exhibits that feature a timeline of worldwide events that were influencing that focus.
